* Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has warmly welcomed the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, during a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia.
Soludo praised the significant sacrifices of Irish priests and missionaries who first brought the gospel to Nigeria, highlighting their contributions in areas such as education and healthcare.
He commended the missionaries for enduring harsh conditions to spread the light of the gospel, noting that Catholic schools, a lasting legacy of these early efforts, continue to thrive in the country.
In his remarks, the Papal Nuncio expressed his appreciation for the warm reception, noting the deep connection between the Irish people and Nigerians. He revealed that his visit to the state was part of his journey through Nigeria.
* The Police Operatives from Okpoko Divisional headquarters responded to a distress call of a fire outbreak at Chukwunonso Street along Obodoukwu Road Okpoko and cordoned off the scene of the incident to prevent hoodlums from taking undue advantage of the situation to loot properties and goods of individuals.
Meanwhile, the swift response of the Fire Service Operatives brought the situation under control.
The Command has however begun an investigation into the cause of the fire incident to avert future occurrence.
* Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, wasted no time addressing a major challenge as he visited the University’s Physiotherapy Department at the Okofia, Nnewi campus, which was recently devastated by fire.
The fire caused extensive damage to the department, completely destroying the building that housed the laboratory, offices, and classrooms.
During his visit, Prof. Ikechebelu, who assumed office recently, was accompanied by key university officials, including Prof. Gerald Ndigwe, Provost of the College, as well as deans, heads of departments, and students. He conducted a thorough inspection of the affected areas and engaged directly with staff and students to better understand the challenges posed by the incident.
* Police-led Security Forces responded swiftly to an attack on members of the Anambra State Vigilantes of Umuchu extraction along Amesi/ Uga Road and rescued one wounded Vigilante Operative.
The Joint Security Forces quickly rushed the victim to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment and activated intelligent-information-led patrols in the area aimed to deny the criminals the space they enjoy to cause havoc and possibly arrest.
According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the
Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, during the gun duel bullets hit the fuel tank of the Toyota Frontier Van belonging to the AVG. As a result, the van was razed down.
* The Anambra State Government has officially launched the statewide Electronic Markets Stall Digitization Project, with the flag-off ceremony held at Relief Market, Ogbaru.
Chief Evarist Uba, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Trades and Markets, emphasized that the project’s main goal is to capture every market stall in the state’s database.
This initiative is designed to address challenges related to store ownership, improve government revenue collection, and provide accurate data on the number of shops in Anambra’s markets.
Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, the President General of Ogbaru Main Market, expressed his support for the project, highlighting that it would help resolve issues of illegal shop transfers, which he has dealt with extensively. He also noted that traders had been thoroughly sensitized about the initiative before the official launch.
* Lady Hannah International Secondary School, Awada Obosi, emerged victorious in the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) School Tax Competition, a program aimed at increasing tax awareness among young people and highlighting its importance to societal development.
With the theme ”Increasing Tax Awareness in Tomorrow’s Leaders,” the competition featured three finalist schools: Lady Hannah International Secondary School, Awada Obosi; Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje; and Grace Court Academy, Awka, representing the state’s senatorial zones.
Addressing the students, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, highlighted how the state’s developmental strides are powered by tax contributions. He emphasized the government’s commitment to the judicious use of tax revenue and urged citizens to fulfill their civic duties to accelerate the state’s progress.
* Former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an aspirant for the party’s ticket in next year’s governorship election in Anambra, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has stated that Anambra has no laid-down agreement on the rotation of power among the senatorial zones in the state for the governorship seat.
Chukwuma, who spoke in his country home, Nneyi Umueri community, Anambra East LGA, during a media parley with journalists, said the zoning pattern said to be operating in the state at present is entirely the arrangement of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which the party created as it has perpetuated its rule of the state in succession since 2006.
Chukwuma, who disclosed that he has never joined APGA and has always been an APC chieftain since joining politics, noted that his own party, the APC, has no such power-sharing formula in place in the state but is currently poised to take over power during the next governorship election.
* All hotels in Anambra are by law expected to operate at international standards, as they are critical in achieving Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s objectives of making the state a tourism destination, smart mega city, and Dubai-Taiwan of Africa.
Commissioner for Culture, and Tourism and Entertainment, Mr Don Onyenji, who stated this at a meeting with hoteliers in Awka, said the Soludo administration is doing its own part by encouraging the hospitality industry through the provision of quality road network and other supporting facilities, urging them to recreate their businesses and restrategize on marketing.
Chairman of Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, AIRS, Dr Greg Ezeilo, who said that the hospitality industry is critical in raising the revenue profile of the state, urged continued collaboration of the hoteliers with the government.
After other members present at the meeting raised their concerns, the Vice Chairman of Anambra State Hotel Association, Mr Taiwo Ogunsola, thanked the state government for the innovative ideas aimed at encouraging returns on investments for hoteliers.
* The Chairman of Awka South LGA, Prince Chinedu Okafor has welcome Comrade Ozoemena Ogbonna, a Port Harcourt based philanthropist to All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Umuawulu.
Comrade Ogbonna who was introduced to the APGA family by the party Chairman of Umuawulu Ward, Mr. Nathan Okpara was also received by Awka South Local Government APGA Chairman, Bar. Lawrence Ezeudu, High Chief Dr. Azubuike Austin Ekweozor amongst others.
Mayor of Awka South LGA, Prince Chinedu Okafor, while speaking, thanked party executives and stakeholders for their dedication to advancing the party’s cause. The LGA Chairman also praised Chief Ekweozor for his continuous support, calling him the party’s lifeblood.
* The Commissioner for Transport, Anambra State Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike
has officially issued an operational licence to the ride-hailing company Bolt, enabling the company to commence operations within the state.
The licence was presented by the Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, during a ceremony held at the Jerome Udorji State Secretariat in Awka.
In her address, Mrs. Igwebuike explained that the issuance of the licence is aimed at improving transportation in Anambra, making it more accessible and less stressful, while ensuring that residents have reliable access to all parts of the state.
Bolt’s Operations Manager, Peace Adegoke, expressed the company’s commitment to providing safe, affordable, and convenient transportation services.
